Almost all cases of rectal prolapse require medical care. Occasionally, successful treatment of the underlying cause of a prolapsed rectum resolves the problem. However, these scenarios usually involve infants or children. In most people, surgery is necessary to treat a prolapsed rectum.

Self-Care at Home

For infants and children, reducing the need to strain during bowel movements with stool softeners may correct a prolapsed rectum. Strapping the child's buttocks together between bowel movements may cause the rectum to heal on its own. A doctor should always be consulted before any attempt to treat this condition at home.

Follow-up

After surgery, 1-2 visits are typically scheduled within the first month to check that the incisions are healing well and to make sure that the person's bowel movements are normal.

Prevention

A high-fiber diet and a daily intake of plenty of fluids can reduce a person's risk of developing constipation. Straining during bowel movements should be avoided. A person with long-term diarrhea
, constipation, or hemorrhoids should seek medical attention to treat these conditions in order to lessen the chance of developing a prolapsed rectum.

Outlook

With timely and appropriate treatment, most people who undergo surgery experience few or no symptoms related to rectal prolapse after surgery. However, several factors, including age, severity of the prolapse, type of surgical approach, and general health, contribute to the quality and speed of a person's recovery.